The 2025 season kicks off tonight in Morenci with one of Arizona’s most historic rivalries as the Wildcats host the Safford Bulldogs. The two programs first clashed in 1927 and have met 58 times since, with Safford holding a 40–16–2 edge. In recent years, the Bulldogs have continued to hold the upper hand, winning five of the last seven matchups since 2011. Even so, the battles have often been close, hard-fought contests that reflect the pride both communities bring into this rivalry.
Safford enters a new era under head coach Ishmael “Coach Mac” MacNeil, who is eager to see how his team responds under the lights. “We are excited for tonight’s matchup,” MacNeil said. “Morenci is a tough, hard-nosed team and will be a great test to open the season.” The Bulldogs will lean on the leadership of senior quarterback Jevyn Elliott, with receivers Dane Jacobson and Lamarr Ellis giving Safford explosive options on the outside. The question mark comes up front, where a young offensive line will need to prove it can handle the physicality of Morenci’s veteran front.
The Wildcats, meanwhile, are driven by the rallying cry “Defend the Hill,” their mantra for protecting home turf in Morenci. They bring back experience in the backfield with running back Julien Aragon, who rushed for 756 yards last year, and two-way bruiser Derick Lytle at fullback and linebacker. In the trenches, Isaiah Cook and Dean Chee provide strength and stability, giving the Wildcats confidence that they can control the line of scrimmage. “The boys are excited to play Safford,” said Morenci head coach Frankie Gonzales. “It should be an exciting game. This is a game they have been playing since they were in Pop Warner.”
Season openers often bring jitters, mistakes, and momentum swings, and tonight’s clash figures to be no different. For Safford, the challenge is to begin the MacNeil era with a statement win against their oldest rival. For Morenci, it is about standing tall on their home field and living up to their mantra: defend the hill. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. tonight in Morenci, with full coverage available on KATO 1230 AM and streaming online at gilavalleycentral.net/kato-sports-broadcasts.
